Toward an Exegetical Theology: Biblical Exegesis for Preaching and Teaching
Book Summary • Walter C. Kaiser, Jr., Toward an Exegetical Theology: Biblical Exegesis for Preaching and Teaching (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 1981.) Kindle Edition. 317 pp. $20.
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Walter C. Kaiser Jr.’s Toward an Exegetical Theology takes a hard look at the disconnect between biblical exegesis and the actual practice of preaching. He contends that too often, pastors and scholars either get lost in the technical aspects of exegesis or bypass rigorous textual study in favor of application-driven sermons. His goal is to bridge that gap, providing a systematic approach that ensures exegesis is not merely an academic exercise but a foundational component of sermon preparation. The central thrust of his argument is that biblical interpretation must maintain both theological integrity and practical relevance, which he addresses through what he calls the “syntactical-theological method”—a structured yet flexible approach to moving from text to pulpit.
The Three Crises That Undermine Biblical Preaching
Kaiser structures his work around three primary crises in modern biblical interpretation: the crisis in exegesis, the crisis in hermeneutics, and the crisis in homiletics. Each of these, he argues, has contributed to a weakening of biblical preaching in different ways.
1. The Crisis in Exegesis
The first issue stems from how exegesis is often treated as a purely academic discipline, disconnected from the realities of preaching. While seminaries train students in historical-grammatical methodology, many emerging pastors struggle to translate their exegetical findings into meaningful sermons. Kaiser critiques the common dichotomy between linguistic-historical study and theological application, arguing that these should never be seen as competing priorities. Instead, he calls for a methodological bridge—one that ensures biblical exposition remains deeply rooted in the text while also addressing the needs of contemporary audiences.
2. The Crisis in Hermeneutics
Closely related to the first crisis is the problem of hermeneutics, particularly the question of how meaning is derived from the biblical text. Kaiser traces the development of hermeneutical thought, engaging with figures like William Ames, Johann August Ernesti, Friedrich Schleiermacher, and Hans-Georg Gadamer. His critique is particularly pointed when it comes to modern reader-response approaches that elevate subjective interpretation over authorial intent. Aligning himself with E. D. Hirsch’s distinction between meaning (which is fixed by the author) and significance (which varies depending on contemporary context), Kaiser pushes back against the idea that meaning evolves with the reader’s perspective. Without grounding interpretation in authorial intent, he warns, exegesis devolves into little more than personal impressionism rather than serious biblical study.
3. The Crisis in Homiletics
Perhaps the most glaring issue in contemporary preaching, according to Kaiser, is the way the Old Testament is either ignored or mishandled in the pulpit. He traces this problem to figures such as Marcion and Julius Wellhausen, who contributed to a view of the Old Testament as theologically inferior or outdated. Many preachers, he argues, fall into common traps: moralizing Old Testament texts, allegorizing them, or reducing them to mere historical curiosities. The challenge is how to faithfully proclaim these texts in a way that neither distorts their original context nor strips them of their theological depth. Kaiser's response is not to abandon the Old Testament but to recover a rigorous method for interpreting and preaching it.
The Syntactical-Theological Method
Kaiser’s solution to these crises is what he terms the “syntactical-theological method,” a structured yet adaptable approach to biblical interpretation. This method consists of five core components:
1. Contextual Analysis
Every passage must be read within its broader literary and canonical framework. Meaning is not determined in isolation but emerges from a passage’s relationship to its immediate context, its place within the book as a whole, and ultimately, its role in the overarching biblical narrative. Kaiser warns against proof-texting—plucking verses from their context to support a preconceived theological point. Instead, he urges interpreters to move systematically from (1) immediate context to (2) book context to (3) canonical context before making interpretive judgments.
2. Syntactical Analysis
A rigorous study of syntax is crucial for proper exegesis. Words do not carry meaning in a vacuum; their function within a sentence and paragraph shapes interpretation. Kaiser provides a detailed discussion of how different grammatical structures—such as clauses, verb tenses, and word order—affect meaning in Hebrew and Greek. Literary genre also plays a key role. The interpreter must recognize the distinctive syntactical patterns of poetry, narrative, wisdom literature, and prophecy to avoid misreading a text.
3. Verbal Analysis
Kaiser critiques the common tendency to rely on etymology or lexicons alone to determine word meaning. Words, he argues, derive their significance primarily from their usage in context (the usus loquendi principle). Missteps in verbal analysis often lead to over-theologizing certain terms or attributing meanings that the original author never intended. He also rejects the notion of sensus plenior—the idea that biblical texts have hidden, fuller meanings beyond what the author consciously intended—on the grounds that it undermines the doctrine of clear, propositional revelation.
4. Theological Analysis
Exegesis must not only remain linguistically and historically precise; it must also account for theology. Kaiser insists that biblical theology should emerge from exegesis, not be imposed upon it. He advocates for what he calls the "analogy of antecedent Scripture"—the principle that theological themes develop progressively while maintaining continuity with earlier revelation. This prevents interpreters from retroactively reading later theological concepts into earlier texts without warrant.
5. Homiletical Analysis
The final step in the process is moving from exegesis to proclamation. Kaiser introduces the principle of "principlization"—the practice of distilling a passage’s timeless theological truths without distorting its historical context. Application, he insists, should always be derived from the meaning of the text, not arbitrarily constructed. He outlines how preachers can shape sermon outlines, main points, and applications based on the exegetical findings, ensuring a balance between textual fidelity and contemporary relevance.
Special Considerations for Expository Preaching
Beyond methodology, Kaiser also explores specific challenges in expository preaching. He critiques the misinterpretation of prophetic texts, the tendency to over-allegorize biblical narratives, and the failure to appreciate the theological significance of Hebrew poetry. His goal is not to promote a rigid, formulaic approach but to provide a framework that allows preachers to engage deeply with the text while remaining faithful to its historical and theological context.
The Role of the Holy Spirit in Exegetical Preaching
The final chapter of the book addresses a critical, often overlooked aspect of biblical interpretation: the role of the Holy Spirit. Kaiser warns against approaching exegesis as a purely intellectual endeavor, detached from spiritual dependence. He critiques preaching that is driven by personal ambition or cultural trends rather than a genuine commitment to expounding the Word of God. True biblical preaching requires both rigorous scholarship and deep spiritual discernment.
Conclusion
Kaiser’s Toward an Exegetical Theology is more than just a critique of modern biblical interpretation—it’s a call to recover a vision of preaching that is both exegetically sound and applicable to modern life. His work challenges scholars and preachers alike to take seriously the task of moving from text to sermon without compromising either historical accuracy or contemporary relevance. By providing a clear methodology, he offers a compelling roadmap for those who seek to proclaim the Scriptures with depth and conviction. ❖
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Footnote: Timothy J. Harris, “Toward an Exegetical Theology: Biblical Exegesis for Preaching and Teaching,” Practical Theologian, March 5, 2025, https://www.practicaltheologian.com/blog/bookreview-2bp5j.
Bibliography: Harris, Timothy J. “Toward an Exegetical Theology: Biblical Exegesis for Preaching and Teaching.” Practical Theologian, March 5, 2025. https://www.practicaltheologian.com/blog/bookreview-2bp5j.
